FAN Archive 020609

February 6, 2009
Dr. Dog at World Cafe Live

Dr. Dog joins us for the Free at Noon show at World Cafe Live. A co-production of WXPN and NPR Music.

Filtering classic rock and pop hooks through a willfully lo-fi slacker aesthetic ala Pavement or Guided by Voices, Philadelphia's Dr. Dog is able to sound both timeless and immediate as only the best music can.

Formed in 1999 as a recording project between two members of the more traditional indie-rock band Raccoon, Dr. Dog cemented itself into a real band when Raccoon ended in the early 2000's. Their first two records, 2001's Psychedelic Swamp and 2002's Toothbrush, were both self-released but failed to make an impact outside of the Philadelphia area. However, the band's fortunes changed when My Morning Jacket's Jim James handpicked Dr. Dog to open for their 2004 tour. They were subsequently picked up by indie label Park the Van for their 2005's Easy Beat, which was met with wide critical praise for its fascinating combination of psychedelic pop hooks and Beach Boys-esque vocal harmonies.

Dr. Dog's recent release, Fate, showcases the bands' psychedelic, "blast from the past" bent towards nostalgia. Horns and honkytonks help celebrate an Americana ambiance, which is noticeably more refined. While they have certainly matured, it would be a mistake to confuse this growth for overbearing seriousness. Thematically cohesive, yet void of repetition, the lyrics are sophisticated and fun. Continuing dabble in catchy, feel good tunes, Dr. Dog proves that it was not "fate," but rather, talent that created this masterpiece.

They will continue to tour extensively around the U.S. well into the spring, but be sure to catch them at this Friday's Free at Noon!